IEA at COP28: A just transition through inclusive energy infrastructure

Dubai time: 5 December 2023, 16:00-17:30.

How we develop energy infrastructure moving forward can have a profound impact on building a climate-resilient and sustainable future for all. It is estimated that energy accounts for more than three-quarters of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions globally. As infrastructure is currently responsible for 79% of greenhouse gas emissions and accounts for 88% of all adaptation costs, we need to ensure that infrastructure is developed through the right solutions to combat dangerous climate change. We also need to ensure that these solutions encompass more social needs, as infrastructure influences the achievement of up to 88% of Sustainable Development Goal targets focused on delivering inclusive outcomes for women and marginalized groups. As global efforts are made to adapt systems for climate action, there is a need and opportunity to simultaneously mainstream inclusive principles in infrastructure development in order to build a resilient future for all.

Agreed upon at COP26, the Glasgow-Sharm el-Sheikh Work Programme on the Global Goal on Adaptation highlights the need for inclusive climate action through country-driven, gender-responsive, participatory and transparent approaches. This session will contribute to the discourse by presenting approaches to developing inclusive and climate-resilient energy infrastructure in the Global South in order to achieve the sustainable development goals.